ONGC Develops Disaster Management And Yatri Niwas Complexes Along Amarnath Yatra Route
Each facility is designed to enhance the safety and comfort of over five lakh pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is developing state-of-the-art Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas complexes at key locations along the Amarnath Yatra route — Baltal, Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra.
The Baltal complex, spread across 6,315 square meters, is now operational. It includes a Yatri Niwas, VIP Guest House, security blocks, and advanced disaster management infrastructure. The facility was inaugurated on July 4, 2025, by Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri (virtually) and the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha. ONGC Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar Singh and Engineers India Limited CMD Vartika Shukla were also present on the occasion.
Commending ONGC’s initiative, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha stated that these facilities have significantly improved both the experience and safety of pilgrims undertaking the sacred Amarnath Yatra. Hardeep Singh Puri praised ONGC’s commitment to building critical infrastructure in challenging terrains and culturally significant areas through its CSR endeavours.
ONGC Chairman Arun Kumar Singh remarked, “ONGC’s commitment to social development runs as deep as its pursuit of national energy security. We are humbled by the opportunity to contribute to infrastructural development of national importance.”
Each Yatri Niwas is designed to accommodate and support the growing number of pilgrims — over five lakh annually — offering not just shelter but enhanced safety through integrated disaster management systems. These permanent structures will also serve local communities and will be operated and maintained by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board.
Constructing infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir poses unique challenges. Harsh winters shorten the construction season, while security concerns and a shortage of non-local labour often delay progress. Despite these hurdles, ONGC has successfully delivered the Baltal complex, underscoring its capability in executing critical projects in demanding environments.
Construction is progressing at the Nunwan (8,500 sqm) and Bijbehara (7,640 sqm) sites, with completion targeted for September 2025. These facilities will feature dormitories, sewage treatment plants, and essential public utilities. The Sidhra complex — a G+5 sustainable building with integrated solar power — is scheduled for completion by September 2026.
Together, the four complexes will span over 30,955 square meters, marking a major milestone in ONGC’s mission to build socially impactful infrastructure in sensitive and strategically important regions of the country.
